Isle of Wight Observer Issue 82

Observer

27th March 2020

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New helpline for Island residents

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Information leaflet from the Isle of Wight Council

Volunteer to help the NHS

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STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES

The Island’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper Friday 27th March 2020 Issue No.82

Your local helpline numbers 17

Public Information

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Local Support This new dedicated coronavirus (Covid-19) website www. iowcoronavirus.co.uk provides information on the local support and community efforts available in your area.

Let’s all help to keep everyone safe and accessing the services they need.

The website allows you to search by location to find out what help is available in your local area.

It also includes supporting resources for health and wellbeing, NHS Covid-19 support, employers and businesses and benefits and welfare help.

Do you want volunteer?

to

Do you think you might be able to help our Island community during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic by becoming a volunteer?

If yes, please complete this form www.iowcoronavirus.co.uk/form/ Your details will be passed on to charities and community groups working on the Isle of Wight to support people through the Covid-19 crisis.

You are not committing yourself to anything, simply saying you are happy to be contacted by organisations who are looking for volunteers.

Citizens Advice Isle of Wight can help with issues around money, benefits and employment Due to the current restrictions on social isolation and the increase in demand, no face-to-face appointments are available.

The following support numbers and online resources are available.

• Advice line number is 03444 111 444 — be prepared to leave a message and you will get a call back.

• Chat online www. citizensadvice.org.uk/aboutus/contact-us/contact-us/ web-chat-service/ — this service is in high demand and someone will respond as quickly as possible.

• Make an enquiry on using the webform at https://islehelp. me/contact/ • Consumer advice is on 0808 223 1133.

• If you are in real hardship you can apply for support through ‘Help Through Crisis’ https://islehelp.me/help-throughcrisis/ or phone (01983) 823859.

We can all help but help safely When going out to get yourself food and medication, think to help family members, friends or neighbours that need supplies and are unable to do this themselves; try not to make two separate trips.

Make sure you are two metres apart when out and about. When delivering items for someone who is in isolation, ensure this is left on the doorstep for their safety and yours.

27th March 2020

Support for Island businesses and employers The government has set out a package of targeted measures to support businesses, employers and employees through the period of disruption caused

by Covid-19.

These measures are regularly being updated through government announcements, with details posted on its website at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/guidanceto-employers-and-businesses-aboutcovid-19 They are also signposted by the Isle of Wight Council via its own website www. iow.gov.uk/covid19_businessadvice, with additional localised advice for Island businesses on registering their details for funding support.

The government-announced measures include: • a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme; • deferring VAT and Income Tax payments; • a Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs; • a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England; • small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief;

•

grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000; • the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank; • a new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans; • the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme.

As further government details and announcements emerge, including on accessing the key funding support, updates will be provided on the council’s website.

If you think your business qualifies for these measures of financial support, please use this online form: http:// www.iow.gov.uk/iwforms/bussupc19.

Application form for support for businesses affected by Covid-19 (Coronavirus) to provide details to assist us with the processing of relevant payments.

Other key advice for businesses There is also key advice on other council services affecting your business at this time, with the latest information

New helpline to support vulnerable Islanders A new helpline number is now available to support the Island’s most vulnerable residents affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) selfisolation measures.

People who do not have a local network of friends or family to support them while they are self-isolating or social distancing can call (01983) 823600 (seven days a week, 9am to 5pm).

The helpline has been put in place by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with the Island’s voluntary networks, including Community Action Isle of Wight, Citizens Advice Isle of Wight and Age UK Isle of Wight, to support those who meet the coronavirus ‘vulnerable’ criteria.

Mike Bulpitt, from Community Action Isle of Wight, said: “We are working together to make it as simple and easy for people who need help and support to get hold of someone who can help. Initially we want to make sure that people have access to groceries and medications to keep them safe and supported during this uncertain time.

“We have a large network of caring volunteers between us and many more people have shown an interest in

volunteering to help those in need over the past couple of weeks.

“Thanks to everyone who has come forward to offer help – including those who responded to the Isle of Wight Coronavirus Community Help group on Facebook, who we are working alongside.”

The partnership is trying to keep in contact with those it knows are high risk to make sure they are safe, healthy and supported — and where necessary, offering this help.

Please note that none of the partnership will ever ask you for bank or other financial details.

Jo Dare, from Isle of Wight Age UK, said: “Working together means that those most in need of help can be supported in the right way and at the right time.”

Council Leader, Councillor, Dave Stewart, said: “The coronavirus is a national emergency which means we must all pull together to help those in need.

“If you need help because of self-isolation, please get in touch. Or, if you are healthy and able to help by volunteering, please get in touch as well by emailing volunteer@ actioniw.org.uk.”

available via the council’s website.

These include areas such as: Licensing (including ensuring licences held by businesses are renewed); Environmental Health (including ensuring your business is following the appropriate regulations if you are now undertaking home deliveries of meals etc); Trading Standards (for advice on product safety, weights and measures or age related products for home delivery); Planning Services (including how the government is relaxing some aspects of planning to help businesses).

This information will be added to as further government details emerge.

Council leader, Councillor Dave Stewart, said: “We are doing our utmost to speed up the processes for our Island businesses, large and small and the selfemployed, to access funding support.

This includes ensuring we have the latest information from businesses on their details to facilitate payment.

“We are acutely aware of how vital cashflow is for Island businesses to operate in these extraordinary times and are trying to ensure all the necessary support is in place to assist them.”

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27th March 2020

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COMMENT

by Carole Dennett Proprietor, IW Observer

We are living through unprecedented times and for all small businesses the future is uncertain. Pubs, restaurants and attractions are closed, along with all non-essential shops.

Many other commercial premises are closed or closing, and domestic work for tradesmen is drying up. The pictures on this page show the stark reality of the new restrictions on our lives.

Your Isle of Wight Observer started life on August 10, 2018 as a community newspaper reporting with a positive outlook on life on the Island. My small team have worked long and hard to get it off the ground and have improved it along the way. I’m proud of them.

We chose that our newspaper should be free, funded by affordable advertising from local companies. We all love this newspaper.

There’s no big, multi-national business behind us - we are independent, locally-owned and proud of it. We know from feedback that our loyal readers also love the IW Observer.

As you can imagine the fallout from the coronavirus epidemic has hit us hard. Many Island businesses aren’t trading for a while, some are treading water, others are quickly diversifying, but they are all worried for their future. We intend to continue publishing throughout this crisis, but understandably many of our advertisers are unable to make commitments without knowing what the future holds. Our previously healthy advertising order book has been devastated.

We plan to be here for you, our readers next week and through all the difficult weeks to come. But without any income from a cover price we will face some hard choices, as will every other small Island business.

If a time comes when we don’t publish, you can be sure that it will only be a temporary suspension, and NOT a permanent closure. We would come back, stronger, brighter and better than ever - just as soon as possible.

Whatever the future holds we want to thank all the advertisers, contributors, distribution points and especially you, our readers who have brought us this far.

Now, more than ever before, the Island needs to pull together. Take care and stay safe.

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The Island’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper Friday 27th March 2020 Issue No.82

Plans for new coastal path

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Sign of the times

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27th March 2020

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Address: Suite 6, 17 Thomas House , St. Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL Publisher: IW Observer Ltd. Digital Editor: Sandy Clarke Sales: Carole Dennett, Emma Harper, Wendy Willmott Layout & Production: Jade Honey Photography: Chris Cornford, Sharon Cornford Regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC The IW Observer is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of the Press. For more information on the IW Observer complaints policy and how to make a complaint visit: iwobserver.co.uk/make-a-complaint/

Crossword Answers - P.22 Down: 1. Alarmed, 2. Clown, 3. Sunrise, 4. Defend, 5. Druid, 6. Pimento, 7. Dixie, 13. Erudite, 15. Currant, 16.

Dissect, 17. Glider, 18. Pages, 19. Dover, 21. Abash.

Across: 1. Accused, 5. Duped, 8. Acorn, 9. Flummox, 10. Mansion, 11. Dunce, 12. Deeper, 14. Accord, 18. Pound, 20. Lariats, 22. Grieved, 23. Adage, 24. Spear, 25. Ratchet.

Find Bob, our friendly squirrel!

Bob our friendly little squirrel usually sits quietly on the windowsill in our office until he decides where he wants to hide in the paper. This week the IW Observer team are all working from home and Bob went missing. He sent us a note which said : “I’m going home and staying indoors until it’s safe to come out. I know lots of our wonderful advertisers who put up the prizes for finding me are having a difficult time at the moment, so I’m going to have a bit of a rest. Once things are sorted out I’ll be back to hide in the paper every week. In the meantime, stay safe everybody and see you soon.”

Isle of Wight Festival called off until 2021 The Isle of Wight Festival, due to take place in June, has been cancelled. Although the decision appeared inevitable because of the coronavirus threat, it comes as a huge disappointment for the tens of thousands of music fans who descend on the Island each year for the iconic event. Among the star names due to appear this year were Lionel Richie, Duran Duran and Lewis Capaldi.

Festival organiser John Giddings told the IW Observer: “It is very sad that we have had to call off the Festival, but we have had to do it for public safety. We held on for as long as we could, but

I don’t think the situation is going to change between now and June.

“The Festival has not been postponed until a later date this year, it is cancelled until 2021, when we hope to return in June. Fingers and everything crossed, it will be in business as usual next year.”

Later on an official Festival statement said: "This decision hasn't been taken lightly and we have tried our hardest to make it work, but it was unavoidable given the current status. The whole team was excited to welcome everyone to the Island for another fantastic festival

and we extend our sincere apologies to everyone who was looking forward to it as much as we were.

"The safety of our audience, artists, crew and the Isle of Wight community is paramount and we appreciate your patience whilst we’ve been working through this unprecedented situation.

We’ll be back stronger than ever in 2021 and we hope to see you all again next year.

“We are working closely with our ticketing partners at the moment and they will be in touch very soon to process your refund, or, if you prefer, you can retain your ticket and carry it over to next year.

Look out for an email from them very soon and please only contact them if you have not been contacted after five days as they are very busy at this time.

“If you booked ferry travel with Red Funnel, Wightlink or Hovertravel please go to the Isle of Wight Festival website for information regarding your booking. We hope everyone stays safe and we’ll see you in 2021.”

For anyone who has bought a Festival ticket through The Price is Wight, or is using a Payment Plan should contact them through email: www. thepriceiswight.co.uk

27th March 2020

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IW NHS Trust chief warns: we know surge in very unwell people is imminently coming

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News in brief Elections postponed The election for the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Hampshire Police area has been postponed to May 6 next year. Byelections due to be held in April for Shanklin and Ryde Town Councils have been cancelled.

Arrangements to fill the vacancies will be provided in due course.

Bedroom fire in Newport

Maggie Oldham Maggie Oldham, Chief Executive of IW NHS Trust has issued a stark warning that St Mary’s Hospital is braced for ‘a surge in very unwell people, bringing the the greatest challenge our health service has ever faced’.

In a statement to the community Ms Oldham has urged residents to continue following Government guidelines to stay at home whenever possible as the staff at St Mary’s continue their relentless fight against the threat of coronavirus.

She said: “At the moment the number of cases on the Isle of Wight remains relatively low compared to much of the country. But this will change and we are expecting more people to become unwell as a result of coronavirus.

We are doing everything possible to prepare and we ask the public to help us by following the Government’s instruction to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.We have used the current time to make sure we are as ready as possible.

“We know that many people affected by coronavirus require critical care support, and here at St Mary’s we are increasing the number of critical care beds we have available. That means more intensive care beds, more ventilators and lots of training for staff. We've created a new isolation ward, and we have plans for more isolation wards to open as they are needed.

“Huge amounts of training have been going on all over the Trust to prepare our teams for what is coming in the days and weeks ahead.We are recruiting more NHS 111 call handlers to support people in isolation at home.”

Ms Oldham continued: “To help protect patients, staff and the community we have announced strict restrictions on visitors to St Mary’s and Sevenacres. We have closed the restaurant in St Mary’s to non NHS staff, and we have closed the Friends of St Mary’s shop and café.

“We have also postponed all nonurgent operations, to free up beds,

staff and equipment to deal with the very real emergency that’s coming.

Please do not come to St Mary’s Hospital or Sevenacres without contacting us first.

“Everyone at the hospital, in our ambulance service, our community teams and in mental health have been working extremely hard. I have been on the wards with them and seen it first hand; I am hugely grateful. But for those who we do need to come into work, we will be making staff meals and parking free to make their days just a little bit easier, recognising that many families are going to suffer financial hardship over the coming period.

“But I cannot stress enough that even with all this work and all of our professionalism, we know that a surge in very unwell people is imminently coming. There is no doubt that this is the greatest challenge that our health service has ever faced.

“It is going to be very difficult but we will meet the challenge head on.

By working together, looking out for one another, with kindness and compassion, we will get through this and with the support of our wonderful Island community we will get through. Do what the Government is telling us. Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

She added: “We are hugely grateful for the flood of donations and gifts; they mean a huge amount to us. But please let us know in advance so we can manage the deliveries. Details are on our website. Please do not come to St Mary’s Hospital or Sevenacres.

“To the NHS staff hard at work, to our colleagues in social care, at the hospice, in schools and in all of the essential roles that support our effort to fight this virus, thank you.

And thank you to the Isle of Wight community for supporting us and for following the government's instruction to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust website is: www.iow.nhs.uk

Island fire crews responded to a blaze in a bedroom at a Newport house in the early hours of yesterday morning (Thurs). Three pumps, two from Newport and one from Cowes, were called to the property in Caesars Road. Two people in the bedroom on the first floor managed to escape, and crews used breathing apparatus and two hose reels to put out the fire.

Bonfire left unattended A large bonfire, left unattended in Yarmouth, had to be tackled by firefighters on Wednesday afternoon.

The crews were called to Halletts Shute after a resident’s smoke alarm went off nearby, and the person who called the fire service could not understand why.

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27th March 2020

Island animal attractions appeal for financial help

Monkey Haven The Island’s top animal attractions, the Isle of Wight Zoo, Amazon World, The Monkey Haven, the IW Reptilarium and the IW Donkey Sanctuary are all appealing for help to save their precious animals after being forced to close their premises under current Government guidelines.

With funds from admission having dried up, all the attractions are deeply concerned about how they can continue to keep their animals safe, and provide them with the proper food they need to survive. Now they have asked Islanders to step in to help, and try to avoid a desperate situation.

The Isle of Wight Zoo, home of The Wildheart Trust, sent out a message saying: “We are a charity and cannot stress enough how important your support is to our Zoo. We rely on visitors and visitation and there are many challenges ahead of us as we face a period of reduced visitation.

“We rely on donations and visitors to our Zoo. Without your support we couldn’t look after our animals here, or continue our conservation partnerships protecting wildlife in India, Madagascar and on the Isle of Wight.

“If you’d like to help please donate at crowdfunder. co.uk/wildheart-trust or become a member and join us on our journey once we reopen to protect animals for future generations.”

Amazon World Zoo Park is trying desperately to work out a way forward for the more than 1,000 animals that call the popular visitor attraction in Newchurch their home.

Animals such as sloths, anteaters and armadillos rely on expensive, specialist diets and the tropical houses require constant heating to ensure that the delicate species they house don’t die of cold. The park was set up as a not-forprofit company following a visit to the Amazon Basin around 30 years ago, when director Derek Curtis saw for himself the devastating impact that the destruction of habitat and other human activities were having on the animal kingdom.

Rob Westby, Zoo Manager said: “We know this is a dreadfully

Amazon World worrying time for Islanders, but some of our amazing animals simply will not survive unless we are able to raise funds to pay for their upkeep.

"Anything you can spare will be gratefully received and when we are able to open our doors again we look forward to sharing our wonderful animals with you. Their crowdfunder website is not charging any fees so any money will go directly to benefit the animals.”

You can donate at crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-animals-1/.

The Founder of Monkey Haven, Don Walser, said: “All our animals will continue to receive the same exemplary care and love throughout this period. However financially, we have to admit that it will be a real struggle. We know that so many of you will have your own struggles too. However if you are able to support us, at this very difficult time, then we would be so grateful and have set up a fundraising page. Please check Facebook where we will try our best to help raise morale by posting updates on all the amazing rescued animals at Monkey Haven.”

Reptilarium say that coming out of the long winter season, their cash reserves are depleted, adding: “It’s looking very much like a sustained lock down in the weeks and months ahead. We are placing all hope that the government will make good on their promises of cash grants for businesses in the leisure industry, however at this time no one can tell us when that maybe forthcoming.

“We hope this isn't the end for the Reptilarium, and if anyone does wish to support us we have a go fund me page running at gf.me/u/xrcuqr Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has now also completely closed down, after initially keeping walkways open. They say that although they don’t currently have a crowdfunding page, people can help by visiting their website www. iowdonkeysanctuary.org and donate through PayPal.

Co-ordinating public transport response The Isle of Wight Transport Infrastructure Board is taking steps to co-ordinate how public transport on the Island can best respond to the challenges posed by the coronavirus epidemic.

The Board welcomed the designation of public transport staff as ‘key workers’, which will enable their children to continue attending school if necessary.

All operators are reviewing

their level of service due to reductions in the level of demand. Strict competition rules to prevent the ferry operators working together have been relaxed to enable them to discuss how they can continue to provide a lifeline service during this period.

The discussions will take place under the auspices of the Transport Infrastructure Board which was set up in 2016.

Sandown shop robber pleads guilty in court Craig Knowles (35) of no fixed abode has appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court in relation to three robberies from shops in Avenue Road, Sandown in November and December last year. He pleaded guilty

to all three offences which involved threatening staff and stealing goods and cash worth approximately £700.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on May 1.

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New restrictions on floating bridge

The floating bridge has limited passengers and vehicle journeys to blue-light services and essential workers only. The new rule came into force on Wednesday morning.

It is to ensure staff and passengers are able to maintain social distancing, while keeping the vital transport link available for those who need it.

Foot passenger capacity will be reduced.

This means that the lower passenger

accommodation will be limited to six people, and the upper deck limited to 12 people.

Car lanes might be used for foot passengers if necessary, which will mean more can be carried.

To make sure that everybody is following this new limitation, staff may ask passengers or drivers about their journey. The definition of ‘essential workers’ will be the same as used by the government for schools.

Free parking for critical workers helping to keep Island running The Isle of Wight Council has welcomed the Government's offer of free car parking for critical workers in the NHS and social care during the coronavirus outbreak.

Health and social care workers are working very long shifts, day and night, as they step up to the unprecedented challenge. This announcement means they will be able to park in on street parking bays and Council and NHS owned car parks without having to worry about cost or time restrictions.

Council leader Dave Stewart said: “However, we want to go further than the Government offer and extend the offer of free parking to all key workers in Council owned car parks at anytime. This will start from immediate effect and they need do nothing for now.

"This should help to minimise the spread of infection by supporting key workers who will be travelling by car or other vehicles to comply with social distancing advice.

"This includes our growing army of

volunteers who are supporting those Islanders most in need, delivering essential supplies of food and medicine. It is our view that no health worker, social car worker, volunteer or teacher, in fact any key worker, should have to pay parking charges in our car parks during this crisis.

“I hope this will allow them to park near to those residences where they may be delivering hot meals, essential supplies or medicines, attending to a vulnerable person or perhaps park closer to their own home.

“We are also introducing 30 minutes’ free parking in Newport High Street for all Island residents to enable them to visit the pharmacy or do essential food shopping without the need for money to park.

“However, the message remains: “Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives” — you should not leave your home unless absolutely necessary. Only that way can we turn the tide on the Covid-19 threat.”

Xavier Baker

True Island spirit from top gin team The Isle of Wight Distillery team is taking the fight to the coronavirus by turning its expertise and knowledge to the production of hand sanitiser for Islanders.

Working to a World Health Organisation formula, it is expected to be ready for distribution today (Friday).

In distributing the potentially life-saving product special priority will be given to key workers and organisations experiencing shortages, such as schools, residential homes, the hospice and postal workers.

Working closely with the Isle of Wight Council, the gel will be distributed on a not-for-profit basis to those in need. The team will also be making donations to vulnerable individuals and institutions engaged

in critical work to support the wider community.

Creator of the distillery’s signature spirit Mermaid Gin, Xavier Baker, said: “We’re seeing many Island businesses responding to the crisis with generosity, ingenuity and community spirit. We hope to be of service to our local community at this challenging time”.

Distillery co-founder, Conrad Gauntlett, added: “Putting something back locally has always been part of our motivation for building the distillery and our brands. In these difficult times, we’re glad we can do something so immediate and critical to the health of the Island”.

Any organisation in need of hand sanitiser can send a request to office@ isleofwightdistillery.com.

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Islanders warned to be on guard for COVID-19 scams Island residents are being reminded that unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about COVID-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends.

National Trading Standards (NTS) is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over COVID-19.

Members of the public should ignore scam products such as supplements and anti-virus kits that falsely claim to cure or prevent COVID-19. In some cases individuals may be pressurised on their own doorsteps to buy anti-virus kits or persuaded into purchasing products that are advertised on their social media feeds. In addition, some call centres that previously targeted UK consumers with dubious health products are now offering supplements that supposedly prevent COVID-19.

Communities are also being urged to look out for signs of neighbours being targeted by doorstep criminals. While there are genuine groups of volunteers providing help during self-isolation, there have been reports of criminals preying on residents – often older people or people living with long-term health conditions – by cold-calling at their homes and offering to go to the shops for them. The criminals often claim to represent charities to help them appear legitimate before taking

the victim’s money. There are genuine charities providing support, so consumers should be vigilant and ask for ID from anyone claiming to represent a charity.

COVID-19 scams identified include: Doorstep crime Criminals targeting older people on their doorstep and offering to do their shopping.

Thieves take the money and do not return.

Doorstep cleansing services that offer to clean drives and doorways to kill bacteria and help prevent the spread of the virus.

Online scams Email scams that trick people into opening malicious attachments, which put people at risk of identity theft with personal information, passwords, contacts and bank details at risk. Some of these emails have lured people to click on attachments by offering information about people in the local area who are affected by coronavirus.

Fake online resources – such as false Coronavirus Maps – that deliver malware such as AZORult Trojan, an information stealing program which can infiltrate a variety of sensitive data. A prominent example that has deployed malware is ‘corona-virus-map[dot] com’.

Refund scams Companies offering fake holiday refunds for individuals who have been forced to cancel their trips. People seeking refunds should also be wary of fake websites set up to claim holiday refunds.

Counterfeit goods Fake sanitisers, face masks and COVID-19 swabbing kits sold online and door-to-door.

These products can often be dangerous and unsafe. There are reports of some potentially harmful hand sanitiser containing glutaral (or glutaraldehyde), which was banned for human use in 2014.

Telephone scams As more people self-isolate at home there is an increasing risk that telephone scams will also rise, including criminals claiming to be your bank, mortgage lender or utility company.

Donation scams There have been reports of thieves extorting money from consumers by claiming they are collecting donations for a COVID-19 ‘vaccine’.

Loan sharks Illegal money lenders are expected to prey on people’s financial hardship, lending money before charging extortionate interest rates and fees through threats and violence.

People are being encouraged to protect their neighbours by joining Friends Against Scams, which provides free online training to empower people to take a stand against scams. To complete the online modules, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk.

NTS is also issuing urgent advice to help prevent people falling victim to COVID-19 scams through its Friends Against Scams initiative.

Members of the public are being urged to keep in contact with family members regularly and inform them of the most prolific scams and the possible dangers to them. If someone has been targeted by a scam it can be reported to Action Fraud online at www. actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040. For advice and information on how to check if something might be a scam, visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/ scams/check-if-something-might-be-ascam/.

Example of a scam

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Plans for new stretch of Island coastal path Natural England has revealed new plans to open up a 72mile stretch of coastal path on the Isle of Wight.

The proposed route takes in landmarks such as Tennyson Down and The Needles, while walkers will be able to stop at Yarmouth, Cowes, Newtown and Bembridge.

Islanders are able to have their say for the next seven weeks on the England Coast Path proposals. If approved, this route will become part of the England Coast Path, the 2,700-mile long distance walking route and England’s newest National Trail, currently being developed around the entire English coast by Natural England.

Andrew Smith, Natural England’s Area Manager for Thames Solent, said: “These exciting proposals will improve access to some of the Isle of Wight’s most stunning landscapes.

Visitors will be able to

enjoy a colourful variety of landscapes, from small fishing villages to ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows, and take in views of the iconic Needles jutting out into the English Channel.

“We thank the many landowners and organisations who have so far inputted to help shape the proposals. Over the next eight weeks, we are inviting all organisations, farmers, local residents, visitors and businesses to have their say. It’s important that all responses are taken into account and we look forward to hearing people’s views.”

Councillor John Hobart, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Heritage, said: “Reaching this important milestone is a step further in achieving what will be a fantastic development for the Island in terms of creating new public access and making

significant infrastructure improvements where our existing coastal path will be utilised.

“The implementation of the England Coast Path, which will also be a recognised National Trail, will further enhance the Island’s reputation as a fabulous walking destination for residents and visitors and also supports the council’s regeneration aspirations.

“It also fits with our sustainable transport plan of encouraging people to walk safely around the Island instead of having to walk along road edges.

The council will continue to provide support in respect of the remaining East Cowes section and would like to take this opportunity to thank Natural England for their work thus far.”

The proposals also recommend significant improvements to coastal

footpaths.

The remaining England Coast Path report on the Isle of Wight will be published later this year to allow sufficient time to finalise proposals between East Cowes and Wootton Bridge.

Anyone may make representations to Natural England about the reports during the consultation period. Owners and occupiers of affected land may make objections about the reports on specified grounds, which will be considered by a Planning Inspector before the Secretary of State makes a final decision.

All representations and objections must be received

by Natural England no later than midnight on May 13, while copies of the reports can be viewed in local libraries and the Isle of Wight Council office in Newport.

Festival to honour 1970 event still on course to take place It is still all systems go for the EXPERIENCE 1970 music festival, which is not due to be held on the Island until September 4, 5 and 6.

The festival will celebrate 50 years since the iconic Isle of Wight Festival of 1970, which starred the incomparable Jimi Hendrix, along with Jim Morrison, The Who and a clutch of other phenomenal artists.

EXPERIENCE 1970 is determined to honour that event with a spectacular anniversary festival.

And the firm message from chief organisers Chris Hewitt and Andy Sharrocks is that the festival is still set to go ahead.

Chris said: “Our number one priority is health and safety, obviously, but right now we have no plans to cancel or postpone.

Obviously things are moving fast with Coronavirus, from day to day, and we empathise with fellow promoters who have had to cancel events set for earlier in the summer.

“But while we are keeping matters constantly under review, we are not at that stage with EXPERIENCE 1970 and we are still very much an ongoing event. It is on and by September, we will all be ready for

one big a party!”

Hewitt and Sharrocks have unveiled some of the original 1970 WEM sound gear that will adorn the replica stage, a tribute to the 1970 original, that is to be constructed on the original festival site at East Afton Farm, near Freshwater.

A huge red parabolic reflector, looking like a giant satellite dish, has also been refurbished to mirror those used 50 years ago to enhance the sound system.

The bill is now taking shape with original 1970 artists leading the way. John Lodge of the Moody Blues is bringing his 10,000 Light Years band to the festival alongside Groundhogs and Ten Years After.

Folk-rock fans are catered for with the return of Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle.

Plainsong, featuring 1970 veterans Iain Matthews and Andy Roberts, are back as is Hawkwind’s Nik Turner and Isle of Wight legends Arthur Brown and Dick Taylor of the Pretty Things.

Earlybird Tickets are now available online at https://party-ace.com – choose Events and then Experience 1970.

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27th March 2020

Posse of sheriffs celebrate John's 15 years service

Hovertravel offers transport lifeline John Matthews centre front flanked by current High Sheriff Geoff Underwood and the former High Sheriffs he served. Credit : Mike Dunkason The collective noun for sheriffs is ‘a posse’, and that pretty well describes the turnout of former Isle of Wight High Sheriffs who came together with the present incumbent Geoff Underwood to mark the retirement of Under Sheriff John Matthews. John has served in the role of Under Sheriff for 15 years and is due to retire on April 6, when new High Sheriff Caroline Peel is due to be sworn in.

A farewell lunch was held in John’s honour at the Royal Solent Yacht Club in Yarmouth where he and his wife Stephanie received gifts from the High Sheriffs he has

served. Celebrity gardener and writer Alan Titchmarsh, who was High Sheriff in 2008/9, read a poem he had composed entitled ‘Salute to an Under Sheriff’.

John said: "Over the 15 years I have served different High Sheriffs I have become convinced how vital a role they have in leading our Island community and promoting all kinds of charities and community events, both large and small. On the Isle of Wight the High Sheriff has a much more pro-active role than in most other parts of the country."

Hovertravel has announced a new timetable in efforts to keep the Isle of Wight’s vital transport links open.

It comes after the Government emphasised how important transport is for the delivery of crucial public services, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Neil Chapman, Hovertravel Managing Director, said: “We are carrying key workers between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, as well ensuring vital supplies of medicines and the Royal Mail continue to flow across the Solent.

“To ensure we continue to offer a robust and resilient transport service, we have taken decisive action to firstly amend our timetable to an hourly service, starting from Ryde at 6.15am with a last craft from Southsea at 7.30pm, to help these essential travellers get to where they are most needed.

“Secondly, we have introduced, thanks to staff volunteers, a new on-demand hovercraft facility which will assist stakeholders to

transport key workers or critical supplies at any time of the day or night.

“At all times and with each of these announcements, we fully considered the safety and well-being of our customers and our staff. I would also like to acknowledge the wholehearted commitment of everyone at Hovertravel working to maintain our lifeline link across the Solent. ” Hovertravel has configured its operations with volunteer staff to have a craft ready to depart within 30 minutes during operating hours and in 60 minutes outside of operating hours, with just one phone call.

Hovertravel has already offered this 24/7 critical on-demand service to several key stakeholders and any other organisation which needs transport.

All passengers using Hovertravel are also being asked to observe Public Health England’s social distancing rules.

Hovertravel’s new timetable will be operational until further notice.

27th March 2020

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Adam’s green shoot cultivation for treatment of fibromyalgia A West Wight farmer with a difference is aiming to put the Island at the centre of a world leading group working on the understanding and treatment of fibromyalgia and related conditions.

Adam Mawer, 44, is entering his second year of cultivating cannabis plants under licence from the Home Office. Working with The Future Clinic in Cowes who specialise in the treatment of fibromyalgia, researchers at the University of Southampton and Cambridge Laboratories he has been investigating the link between the debilitating long-term condition and the relief that medicinal cannabis products can bring.

The precise cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it causes intense pain throughout the body and is believed to be related to abnormal levels of chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system carries pain messages around the body.

After almost four years of unexplained pain and visits to various specialists, Adam’s partner Laurie was finally diagnosed with the condition around two years ago. Adam had been searching for an alternative to the multiple strong medications she was prescribed which brought unwelcome sideeffects, and this eventually led to the launch of a new career for the Island businessman, whose family have lived here for over 40 years.

Laurie found that cannabinoids, naturally found in cannabis plants were the most effective and natural way to manage her symptoms, but Adam discovered that there was little understanding, and even less research into why or how they worked.

Worryingly, over 80 per cent of cannabis extracts used in the UK are imported from Eastern Europe or China, with independent testing showing that the quality is highly variable. Strict drug legislation in the UK requires constant and reliable standards, so Adam set out to supply what was needed.

After passing stringent government and police checks he finally received a licence in April last year to grow Low THC Cannabis on his 60-acre Island Hemp Farm and quickly planted his first crop. Links with the Isle of Wight Fibromyalgia Society led to a meeting with Dr Gary Lee of the Future Clinic and they have now collaborated on a number of research studies to find out more about how cannabinoids can help in the treatment of Fibromyalgia and related conditions.

In this they have been supported by local company Wight CBD and other Island medical professionals with Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely assisting in dealings with the Home Office. Adam is currently waiting for a variation on his licence to be granted to permit him to not only to grow cannabis but also to manufacture a range of cannabis derived products. This will give total traceability and quality control over the extracts ti be used in the UK, and confidence to the medical profession and consumers.

Once granted, the licence will pave the way to a multi-million-pound research and development facility providing year-round employment for Islanders and, Adam says, substantial annual funding to Island good causes.

Speaking after the launch of the new website for Vecticanna, the company he has set up to manufacture the products Adam said: “This is a really exciting time for the company. Expansion will bring significant employment opportunities and mean the Island can become a world leader in the understanding and treatment of a number of pain related conditions.

There are over eight million people who suffer from unexplained pain, so the potential market is huge. The Island’s climate and weather gives us a fantastic geographical advantage which we want to make the most of, and I am keen for other

Islanders to be a part of this journey.”

You can find out more at vecticanna.com.

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News in brief No Shanklin in Bloom Shanklin in Bloom 2020 is among the latest events to be has been cancelled due to coronavirus. Organisers are hoping the popular displays will return as normal next year.

Mummyoke with Mamma Rocks

If you fancy singing with a choir while you are stuck at home then an initiative by Mama Rocks is worth a look. The choir made up of Mums and Grandmas on the Island is trying to find ways to create a sing-a-long or Mummy-oke for anyone who would like to join them. You can find out more on the Mama Rocks Isle of Wight Facebook page.

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It's business as usual at GKN and Vestas

Plans to drill for oil near Arreton delayed

Pic: Frack Free IOW There are to be no new planning decisions made by the Isle of Wight Council in the immediate future, although new planning applications will still appear on-line. The unprecedented steps mean that public consultation on new applications will not start until Government guidance on non-essential movement changes.

The announcement was welcomed by the Frack Free Isle of Wight group who had expressed concerns about an application by UK Oil and Gas Plc (UKOG) which had been expected to go live on March 27. They were worried

that restrictions on public gatherings would limit their ability to organise meetings and protests at the plans to start exploratory work for oil drilling on a site near Arreton and the decision might be made ‘under the public’s radar’.

The group issued a statement which said: “We wish to thank the Isle of Wight Council’s Planning Department for listening to our concerns and making this important decision. We are grateful that the Council has acknowledged that these precautionary measures are essential at this time”.

27th March 2020

Bus pass support for over 65s extended The Isle of Wight Council have extended its support for elderly people during the COVID-19 crisis. Bus passes for Island bus users who are over 65 will be valid before 9.30am, to help older travellers access supermarkets which have made available early shopping time slots for elderly people.

Councillor Ian Ward,

Cabinet Member for Infrastructure & Transport said: “The Isle of Wight Council is extremely pleased to have reached agreement with our transport and health partners to extend our support for those residents with bus passes. This will allow them to access the offer from retailers to use their shops early in the morning.”

It is business as usual at two of the Island’s biggest employers, GKN Aerospace and MHI Vestas because they say the Government has issued no advice about the closure of factories.

Several readers have questioned why they should remain open, prompting a statement from GKN Aerospace: “These are unprecedented times. Our key priority throughout is to safeguard our people, while continuing to deliver for our customers in line with the latest Government guidance for businesses such as GKN Aerospace to ‘carry on’.

“We continue to follow national guidance as a minimum in all the countries in which we operate. In the UK this has included a health questionnaire for every employee to enable vulnerable employees to identify themselves and remain away from the workplace, in addition to

other measures such as social distancing and increased cleaning cycles at our facilities.

“We will continue to take all steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of our workforce, our partners and everyone associated with the business.”

27th March 2020

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Online shopping at Mountbatten soon

Mountbatten shops have temporarily closed, but the charity hopes to set up an online store as soon as possible.

Mountbatten said it was closing its 10 shops and the main warehouse in Newport to keep its staff, volunteers and customers safe following the outbreak of coronavirus.

Plans to create a new online shop on its website will be accelerated and more items will be available on Mountbatten’s Ebay site.

Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley, said: “The safety of our staff, volunteers and customers and supporters is our absolute priority. Our shops not only

offer us a vital source of income, but they also act as social hubs for many people across the Island.

“The Government has been very clear in asking us all to keep a distance from each other, so we must take the responsible step and close until further notice. The loss of income will hit us, at a time when we already know our general fundraising streams will be significantly affected.

“We would encourage people to visit our Ebay site and look out for our new online shop, which we will make available as quickly as we can. We need people to keeping thinking of us because

despite everything that is happening, our work caring for hundreds of people in their homes and those in our hospice continues.

“Whether it’s making a donation via our website or signing up to Walk the Wight Your Way, any support you can give is so vital to us.”

Donations of items for shops and Mountbatten’s warehouse cannot be accepted until they re-open. Staff and volunteers will be redeployed to support other areas of the organisation, within the appropriate government guidelines.

For details on how to support Mountbatten, visit mountbatten.org.uk

Uproar and then apology after Shanklin pub keeps serving The company director of a Shanklin pub that openly continued to serve alcohol after the government order that all such licensed premises must closed, has apologised for what he called ‘our mistake’.

The Waterfront Inn on Shanklin Esplanade displayed a board on the footpath outside saying ‘TAKE AWAY DRINKS’ last Sunday.

A steady stream of customers took up the offer, and even sat outside on the pub’s decking area, soaking up the spring sunshine while downing their drinks. That prompted a massive outburst of criticism on social media, with comments including ‘stupidity’, irresponsible’ and ‘sheer madness’.

Certainly customers were making no effort to adhere to the two-metre rule for social gatherings. Following the furore, Beurois Vincent, Company Director at the Waterfront Inn, posted the following statement on Facebook: “Following the recent interest and the numerous hate message received, it’s time for you to hear it directly from us, so if you would like to know the truth.

As per government guidance, our restaurant was closed on Friday evening, right after Mr Boris Johnson’s speech, and the bar shortly after that very same evening.

“Our building is also the home of our seven rooms B&B/hotel,

for which, there is no guidance, no closure requirement, no information. For this reason, our guests had been offered food and drink as there is no cooking facilities in the rooms, and they wouldn’t be able to find a restaurant open to feed themselves.

“Also per government guidance, we have been offering take away service for drinks only, sadly, I admit our mistake, we did not remove our outside chairs, where take away customers have found themselves comfortable, at first, having a large terrace, social distance were respected, but then, few more people came.

“I completely agree that it is upsetting but this wasn’t the result expected, our original intention was to provide drinks for the numerous walker on the seafront. So, YES, WE APOLOGY for the wrong message passed; YES, WE ARE CLOSED (bar and restaurant); YES, we do respect the Government guidance, our licensing authorities and the wellbeing of our locals.

“Local authorities has been in contact and were provided with CCTV footage to prove that we only have served take away, and that the bar was closed. In this time of boredom, we cannot stop people from gossiping, but the truth had to be told.”

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27th March 2020

East Cowes crafters mark Mother's Day with smile With Mother’s Day a disappointment for many because they were unable to visit loved ones, the crafters of East Cowes set out to put a smile on people’s faces on the special day. The talented group led by Joy Cleightonhills and Judy Powell decorated the archways at the entrance to the local shops with crafted flowers, insects and bees made using a variety of materials and techniques.

East Cowes Councillor Karl Love said: “It’s with great thanks to Joy and Judy and an amazing group of local people that the arts in East Cowes are really taking off.

“Perhaps during this time of social distancing people might like to create their own small decorations to be collected together later and placed around our town umbrella tree as a memory of solidarity, hope, community and memories.”

You can contact joy on joy.headwayiow@ gmail.com for further information and patterns.

No driving tests for up to three months Island learner drivers, eagerly awaiting their driving test for either a car or motorcycle, face a lengthy wait. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has suspended driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales for up to three months.

The decision has made to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as tests lead to extended contact between candidates and examiners in vehicles.

The news will come as a blow to those who have spent weeks or months learning to drive, but the suspension of tests will give those individuals longer to practice – should driving instructors decide to continue working.

The suspensions include: car driving tests, motorcycle tests, lorry, coach and bus

driving tests, approve driving instructor (ADI) tests and checks.

DVSA will contact everyone with a test booked during this time to let them know their test has been cancelled and that it will automatically re-book for them.

In addition to suspending driving tests, the DVSA has suspended MOTs for all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) for up to three months. All HGV and PSV vehicles with an MOT will be issued with a three-month certificate of temporary exemption (CTE) until further notice.

The Department for Transport continues to keep MOT testing for other vehicles under review and will provide an update in due course.

27th March 2020

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Ways of keeping active while confined to home As the current situation builds in intensity, more and more of us are likely to be spending time confined to our home. But what to do?

The practicalities of being housebound are far-reaching. We need to make arrangements for grocery shopping, for working from home if that’s practical, for childcare if we have kids and much more.

But there’s another aspect to all this, how to cope emotionally. It may seem a minor challenge at the moment, but after a few days or weeks in isolation, things can seem very different.

Here are some hints to help you get through this difficult period: *Establish a routine and follow it –

make your bed in the morning, go to bed on time at night. *Segment your day – work time, meal time, me time, family time. *If you’re working from home, make sure you start and stop work at the appropriate time. And when you stop, stop. *If you have a garden or a roof terrace, set aside some time each day to spend outside. Get some fresh air and a change of perspective, even if it’s raining. *Keep as active as possible. Get in a bit of early spring cleaning. *Make a point of keeping in touch with friends and family, by phone or via the internet.

*Share a 'virtual dinner'. Agree a time - and a menu! - with a friend and meet by computer to eat together and chat. *Try cooking, making bread, making jam, beer. There are lots of fun and rewarding home-based activities. *Relax, Find some mental relaxation techniques from the NHS on cntw. nhs.uk/resource-library/relaxationtechniques/ And remember to ask for help if you need it. Samaritans offer a friendly ear on the end of the phone 24 hours a day – and it’s free. Just dial 116 123.

Advice on how to make home schooling run more smoothly

Parents and children on the Isle of Wight have seen unprecedented change to work and education routines this week after the Government ordered all schools to close in the battle to prevent coronavirus spreading further.

As more of us turn to self-isolation, the difficult balance of work and home schooling has become a reality.

Working from home is tough; home schooling is very tough. So, if you must combine the two for a long period of time, how are you going to cope?

It has even been suggested schools may now remain closed until the start of the scheduled autumn term in early September, and that could mean five more months of home schooling for some. Classrooms and children’s play areas could remain closed for months let’s hope not though.

Jonathan Ratcliffe, from Offices.co.uk, has offered this advice to try to make the daily routine go smoothly. He said: “You are going to have to plan well, get organised and work to a strict timetable if you want to get everything done. Equally, you’ll need to have a proper split between work, school, fun and rest.

“The first thing you need to do is lower your expectations of what you are going to achieve, both with work and schooling. If you try to do too much the experience is going to be highly stressful.”

The key things to remember include: Lower your expectations of what you will achieve with work, simplify a day into a set routine, don’t try and achieve too much and pause and try to appreciate moments with your kids.

Here are 10 tips on how to deal with home education: START EARLY AT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY:

Routine is important for good sleep and mental health, for both you and your kids.

School starts at a set time, so make sure you are ready and stick to the timetable.

GET DRESSED PROPERLY LIKE TEACHER AND STUDENT: Getting showered and dressed is important to divide sleep and school.

CREATE SPACES FOR DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES: You might set up a teaching room (kitchen), quiet room (spare bedroom) and a play area (living room).

STRUCTURE YOUR DAY LIKE A SCHOOL DAY: Teaching time, activity time, play time and lunch time – just like their normal school routine.

MAKE A PLAN WITH YOUR KIDS: At the start of the day ask them what they want to do (within reason) so they feel involved.

TURN OFF YOUR PHONE: How are your kids meant to feel involved if you are

checking emails?

SET ASIDE BREAKS FOR TV, IPAD AND EXERCISE: Use these times to schedule work emails or calls.

DO SOME EXERCISE: Depending on where you live, if you have a garden or not – try and get some fresh air, this also allows you some headspace.

FINISH AT A SET TIME, BEDTIME AT A SET TIME: By getting a routine drilled in early on, you can try and get the kids to sleep at a sensible time, thereby giving yourself some space to work if you need to.

DON’T BE TEMPTED TO HIT THE WINE: If you can, evening time will be the only real time you can realistically work. If you drink your concentration will be poor, sleep poor and you’ll wake in a grumpy mood. Try and keep drinking to a minimum.

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27th March 2020

Keep up with the big cats even though zoo is closed

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01983 214264

The Isle of Wight Zoo may be closed for a while, but that doesn’t mean the public need to miss the antics of the two rescued lion brothers Vigo and Kumba.

Thanks to the donation of two web cams by Island IT company Dataswift, the lions can be viewed day or night as the cameras cover their

sleeping quarters and their outside enclosure.

Lawrence Bates, the Zoo’s Head of Zoological Operations said: “As well as being fantastic for the public, the cameras are a great tool for keepers who can now keep a remote eye on the boys from the comfort of their own home.

Beware though the pastime is incredibly addictive!”

Keepers will be feeding the lions at midday nearly every day so check in to the camera to catch the action. And if you miss that there will be a Facebook update every day at 2pm.

Vigo and Kumba were brought to the zoo last year

after being saved from a Spanish circus where they spent most of their lives cooped up together in a lorry trailer.

More details, and access to the webcam can be found at isleofwightzoo.com/kumbavigo-webcam.

27th March 2020

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Red Funnel revises Red Jet timetables Red Funnel Ferries has announced changes to its planned timetable in order to protect lifeline services to the Isle of Wight and ensure a reliable and resilient schedule for all customers.

Following reduced demand for crossings and the government’s advice regarding non-essential travel and home working, Red Funnel’s hi-speed Red Jet service has been reduced to an hourly service, instead of its usual half-hourly rotations. The reduced Red Jet schedule, until further notice, will depart at XX.45 from Southampton and XX.15 from West Cowes, seven days a week.

The first Red Jet sailings will depart at

5.45am from Southampton and 6.15am from West Cowes Monday to Saturday, and 6.45am from Southampton and 7.15am from West Cowes on Sundays.

The last Red Jet sailings will depart at 8.45pm from Southampton and 9.15pm from West Cowes daily.

Customers with season tickets will be contacted and invited to 'freeze' their ticket until which time they wish to reactivate it.

Red Funnel will continue to maintain its current timetable on its vehicle ferries for the foreseeable future, and will also be adding additional sailings to its dedicated freight service via Red Kestrel, in order to provide further space

on vehicle ferry sailings, and to ensure the ferry company is doing all that it can to maintain the vital movement of goods and supplies to the Island.

Red Funnel CEO Fran Collins said: “We will continue to assess the situation in the coming days and weeks and will continue to keep our customers informed of any further changes.

We thank our customers for their understanding as our teams work hard to continue our services during these extraordinary times, and I would also like to thank all of our staff for their commitment to keeping the Island connected.”

Island carriers help with vital deliveries An Island distribution firm has pledged its support to the Government by offering the fleet of vehicles at its disposal to help with the delivery of food and other vital supplies.

Isle of Wight Distribution, based on the Island and also has a depot at Chandlers Ford, has joined over 700 logistics businesses and all members of the UK’s eight major Pallet networks, to put their combined fleet of 23,500 vehicles forward. Between them they have 30,000 employees, over 750 depots, and offer 100 per cent national coverage by postcode.

Antony Flood, Managing Director at Isle of Wight Distribution, said: “We are proud to play our part in this unique collaboration as the entire UK industry joins forces to transport the most vital supplies. Collectively our sector has unrivalled resource and the individual companies are local experts with vast experience of express distribution and a key link in the UK supply chain.”

Regional members collect freight from their local area and transport it to the most appropriate regional Hub, where it is reloaded onto vehicles returning to its destination area. In 2019 UK pallet networks delivered 26 million pallets of goods.

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27th March 2020

Creative writing competition: page of a work in progress

Ryde Academy students explore career openings Around 200 students at Ryde Academy took part recently in a speed-networking event to help them explore potential career opportunities with Island-based companies.

The students from Year 10 used the event to speak to representatives from some of the Island’s leading companies including AI experts Innovative Physics, Liz Earle, IW Fire and Rescue, Pompey in the Community, NCS, BAE Systems, Laura Gate Eastley Yoga, The Garlic Farm, CLC (Care Learning Centre), Ella Sheppard School of Dance, Cowes Chiropractic Clinic, Vikoma International, Isle of Wight College, Hovertravel, Dover Park Primary School and Red Funnel.

Besides introducing students to possible careers and employers, the event at the

school also helped the students develop their social skills as well as helping Ryde Academy in its aim of forming strong community links.

Rebecca Merrett, Careers Leader at Ryde Academy, said: “As part of our ongoing careers programme we aim to engage students with as much exposure to different sectors and industries as possible.

“Speed-networking is a good way of doing this because it means students glean a lot of information in a very short space of time from a wide variety of local employers. It also helps dispel myths that there isn't goodquality employment on the Island."

Following on from the event, students also underwent mock interviews to further prepare them for the world of job-hunting.

Independent Arts has launched its first creative writing competition for aspiring Isle of Wight writers. The competition aptly named ‘Jot’ aims to encourage anyone from the Island, with a story in their head, to express it and enter.

Independent Arts is a charity focused on using the arts to improve wellbeing, quality of life and to reduce social isolation. Supported by volunteers, practitioners and a small staff team in Newport, the charity engages with 1,700 people every month across the Island.

Islanders are invited to submit an example of ‘a page of a work in progress’. The competition is open to all Isle of Wight residents. There are three age groups: 5–11 years, 12–17 years and 18 years+ and it is free to enter.

Entries will be accepted in a wide range of formats including video clips of performative pieces, auditory recordings or soundscapes of spoken word (not to exceed three minutes) and, of course, the written form (not to exceed one side of A4).

Independent Arts CEO, Lisa Gagliani MBE, said: “As an Island charity committed to exploring change through creativity, we hope this competition will encourage novices and experienced storytellers, young and old, to literally jot something down, or to record a few minutes of spoken word, to express themselves and connect.”

The prizes include a subscription to Writing Magazine, generous book tokens, a Costa gift card and tickets to the Island Literary Festival. Judges include Edana Minghella, Patron of Independent Arts, and Anmarie Bowler and an award-winning, published Island writer who has sponsored the prizes, along with other creative talents associated with Independent Arts.

To enter, download an application form from Independent Arts website - independentarts.

org.uk and write a single page of a ‘work in progress’ which could be a story, a poem, a play, a diary or an article. If you prefer not to put pen to paper – you may record work in progress (three minutes maximum) on your chosen device. Then send the application form and entry to jot@independentarts. org.uk or post to Independent Arts, Creative Writing Competition, Suite 3, 30 Quay Street, Newport PO30 5BA, to reach the charity no later than midnight on Friday June 15.

Winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony on Friday July 10 at The People’s Pop-up Gallery, Newport.

27th March 2020

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Island Support Lines

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ISLAND SUPPORT LINES North East Wight Support BEMBRIDGE Holy Trinity Church is co-ordinating a group of volunteers from Bembridge who can offer support to anyone who is self-isolating.

For information on shopping deliveries, local hot meal deliveries, prescription deliveries and new phone buddy system, or anything else you’re concerned about, call the support line 07724401443

COWES

Lora: lora08@sky.com Tel. 01983 645765 Mob/Txt: 07970 424214

FRESHWATER, TOTLAND, YARMOUTH, SHALFLEET

West Wight Sports & Community Centre are coordinating the response locally and recruiting volunteers. They have a dedicated email address help@westwight.org.uk, main communication is through their FB page https://www.facebook.com/www.westwightsportscentre/, phone number is 752168

GURNARD

Paul Fuller: 01983 289595 or 07935 090835

BRADING

Brading Parish Council will continue to deal with enquiries on 401770 or email townclerk@brading.gov.uk Post Office remains open on Tues and Thurs 9.30 – 11.30am Support with shopping and prescriptions for vulnerable residents offered.

The Yarbridge are offering local deliveries, they can be contacted on 01983 405585.

EAST COWES

COMMUNITY HELP ON OFFER: Need help collecting shopping, posting mail or getting urgent supplies? Contact David or Laura at Coast to Castle Properties, tel: 01983 200007 or 07437 176626

NEWPORT & CARISBROOKE

Matthew Price 524320 Scarrots Lane Bakery offering deliveries to Newport & Carisbrooke Tel: 511187 email: bakery@actioniw.org.uk

PAN MEADOWS AND BARTON

01983 248170 Pan Together will be offering: • An affordable ‘special of the day’ meal delivery service. Order by 10.30am for a delivery between 11.30am and 1.30pm • Help with essential shopping • A prescription-collection service • A helpline for anyone living locally who is self-isolating without support Local residents affected are asked to phone 01983 248170 between 9am and 6pm. In an emergency between the hours of 6pm and 9pm, phone Cllr Brodie on 01983 521686 or Rachel Thompson on 01983 248170.

Volunteers offering to help with shopping, Contact Community Spirited on Tel: 01983 296592 or 07747 046202

South Wight Support

FISHBOURNE

Ron Groves 01983 551310 / 07767 712275 For food deliveries, contact Niton Country Stores 01983 731344 / 730389 or for large orders: orders.nfg@gmail.com

A Community Action/Support Group is being set up to help if you are over 70 or self-isolating due to Coronavirus.

If you are in one of these categories and need some support, or you are willing to be a volunteer and offer support, please contact one of your Parish Councillors or the Parish Clerk.

Email: fishbournepc@btinternet.com or Tel: 07815 990019 or Cllr Sarah Talbot and give your phone/contact details.

Areas of help might be shopping, collection of medication, dog walking or even a chat on the phone.

RYDE

Ryde Helpline 01983 811105 Current support being coordinated through ARCH is: Prescription delivery Emergency food parcels Dog walking Please liaise with Ryde Academy about packed lunches for collection.

Please contact me if you feel I can help you.

Don’t forget fresh food, fruit, vegetables help to boost your immune system, together with Vitamin D from sunshine.

Stay safe & observe the Government guidelines Tel: 01983 866135 / 07388 669071 email: vanessa.churchman@iow.gov.uk Ward: Havenstreet, Ashey & Haylands Ryde Lions club are still here for our local community, however, in line with other charities, we are limited in what help we can give. If you need help, please let us know on our Facebook page or rydelionsclub@outlook.com. If we can help, we will, if not, we may know someone who can.

WHIPPINGHAM

Matthew Price Tel: 524320/07833 537668 Email: matthewpriceisleofwight@gmail.com

WOOTTON

Volunteers to help with shopping, collection of prescriptions, trips to the Post Office, phone calls etc Cllr.Daryll Pitcher: 07511 045145 darylpitcher@woottonbridge.org.uk

West & Central Wight Support BRIGHSTONE, HULVERSTONE, BROOK & SHORWELL Carol Truman@btinternet.com

CALBOURNE

Carol Weeks 01983 531393 Help with hot food, groceries and prescription pick ups.

Local WhatsApp group working with pubs etc

CHALE

CHILLERTON & GATCOMBE

The Parish Councillors and the Villagers of Chillerton and Gatcombe may be able to help with shopping, getting your medication, exercising dogs, social support, meals and drinks and post.

For help contact Nigel Phillips on 01983 721382 or np.cgparish@ gmail.com

GODSHILL PARISH

Alison Child: 01983 840179 Rodney Downer: 07594 581076 Godshill Shop is making deliveries locally, please call 01983 840201 Tansy’s Pantry – delivering hot vegan meals, please call 01983 840921

NITON & WHITWELL

John BoileauGoad 01983 731811

SANDOWN

Richard Priest 07471 471960 Sandown South – Alex Lightfoot 07528 578257

SHANKLIN

Richard Priest 07471 471960

VENTNOR

Helpline: 01983 853775 or 857848 between 09:00 and 16:00 Help with essential shopping • Collection of prescriptions • Information or advice • Dog walking • Other help A drop-in help desk will be open weekly from 09:00 to 13:00, Monday to Friday at The Green Room, Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Road.

Tony McCarthy tony@ventnortowncouncil.org.uk or 01983 857848

WROXALL

Parish Councillor Helen Little – 07850 125245 or 01983 861280

Guidance regarding Car MOT Extensions

There is new guidance from the Government regarding Car MOT Extensions. They also offer the following advice: “The government is allowing MOT centres and garages to remain open. So you can still get an MOT if you need your vehicle: 1. To shop for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible for any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

2. To travel to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.” If you still need your vehicle MOT’d, Stag Lane Motors are there to help on 01983 522443. They are offering free collect and delivery service for your vehicle during this time.

17

Essential hardware supplies at B&Q

The B&Q store at Newport is closed to shoppers but is supplying essential products only for repair and maintenance of the home through their click and collect service, which provides contactless facilities to pick up your pre-ordered goods. They are also working on a home delivery service. You can order the products that are available on DIY.com. Hurst’s stores across the Island are closed to the general public for the time being.

Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat

Given the current situation with Covid-19, Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat have decided to cancel this year’s Go-Orange fundraising weekend on the 3rd and 4th April. The health and wellbeing of our Lifeboat crew and fundraisers is paramount to our stations core value, which is to preserve life.

Our volunteer lifeboat crew need to be kept healthy so that they may respond at any time of the day to a call for help.

This saddens us greatly because we take a lot of pleasure meeting the local community to raise awareness of our lifesaving work. We would also like to send good wishes to our colleagues at Freshwater Independent Lifeboat and Ryde Inshore Rescue Service who are also cancelling their events.

Our Operations Manager, Mark Birch has placed strict measures in place at our station and only core crew may attend. We know you lovely people want to come and say hello, but at this time, please stay away and look after yourselves.

Friends of Freshwater Fire Station

Since we posted a couple of days ago regarding helping the community during this difficult time we have been in touch with 'West Wight Coronavirus Support' and all assistance is now being coordinated centrally through this new group. They will be coordinating volunteers to support the vulnerable and isolated through the current crisis.

For more information please email help@westwight.org.uk. Phone number 752168.

Ventnor Post Office

I am sorry but we have had no choice but to close Ventnor Post Office following the latest Post Office and Government Advice regarding the Coronavirus.

Seasons is classed as an non-essential shop (we sell newspapers cards and stationary) and so according to government advice the shop has to close.

As you know the post office is within Seasons and so it also has to remain closed as long as the shop is closed.

We will remain closed for three weeks until the government tells us otherwise. Otherwise we are subject to fines from the government.

Post offices that are within food outlets are allowed to remain open e.g Wroxall and Shanklin but do check with the offices first to make sure they are also open before you make the journey.

This is not a decision we have had any choice about and we know that this will be inconvenient for many of our lovely and loyal customers.

Remember to stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of the virus, only go out when absolutely necessary, Stay At Home !!! Stay Safe and Stay Well !!

Andy and Steve Ventnor Post Office

Harbour House Ryde collections and deliveries For those that are unable to leave the house, just a reminder that Harbour House Ryde are offering a ‘community menu’ where you can either collect or order delivery where possible on these meals.

Call 01983 616662 or 07595631169.

Islandwide Local Support Contacts

Mental Health Safe Haven (run by charity Two Saints, commissioned by the CCG) Community Mental Health Safe Haven – for adults aged 18 or over.

During this current time, they are offering a telephone and email service only (not the usual drop-in). Tel: 01983 520168 and email safehaven@twosaints.org.uk. This will be operating during its usual opening hours 5pm-10pm (Monday-Friday) and 10am-10pm (weekends and bank holidays).

Psychiatric Crisis Support 01983 522214 – available 24/7 – please note we are experiencing technical difficulties with this line but are working hard to rectify these.

Callers may need to wait slightly longer than usual. In an emergency dial 999.

Adult Social Care Mental Health Support Individuals seeking support from Adult Social Care or Carers assessments should contact: In office hours - IASCC team - Tel – 01983 821000 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm) Out of Hours contacts are to go through the Wight Care 01983 821105. This service is available weekdays from 5pm to 9am and weekends from 4.30pm Friday through to 9am Monday morning.

Isorropia Foundation – local mental health partners Not currently public facing, however info for practitioners is available on their website https://isorropia.uk/ and Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/isorropiafoundation/.

Carers support – Carers IW Tel Calls: 01983 533173, 9-4pm Mon – Fri, Sat-Sun 10-4pm for urgent calls only.

The office phone and answer phone will be manned and responded to in a timely manner depending on staffing. Staff will be contacting you on a regular basis but please phone us if you need us.

General Community Support Community Action Isle of Wight https://www. communityactionisleofwight.org.uk/

18

News

www.iwobserver.co.uk

27th March 2020

Young volunteer receives top award for her support

A young volunteer who supports families on the Isle of Wight has been recognised for her dedication and commitment.

Shauna Willetts, 16, who volunteers at Barnardo’s Isle of Wight Early Help Service and helps to run play sessions for vulnerable children and their families, was given a Highly Commended Marsh Trust Award for Young Volunteer of the Year.

Shauna was presented with

her award by Claire Steen and Rachel Mckernan from Barnardo’s during a Family Play event at East Newport Children’s Centre. Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Cobb nominated Shauna for the award.

Deborah said: “Shauna has demonstrated a remarkable ability to relate to others, despite her age and relative inexperience with parenting issues.

No task within the running of a busy play

session is too much trouble for her. Shauna is an asset to the team and this award is thoroughly well deserved.

We all want to extend a big thank you for everything that she does.”

Shauna said: “When I first started at Barnardo’s I was shy and had low selfesteem; however, in just a month I felt a lot more confident, along with learning new skills that I am sure I wouldn’t have gained

without helping with the play sessions. I now know I want to work with children - hopefully as a paediatric nurse”.

For more information about volunteering at Barnardo’s Isle of Wight Early Help please contact Deborah Cobb on (01983) 616607 or email deborah.cobb@barnardos. org.uk

Alas, not the message now!

The promotional message on this Southern Vectis bus seems a little unfortunate at these difficult and uncertain times. It's probably best to look on it as a reminder of happier times as we look forward to them returning.

Picture: Graham Reading Photography

Dancing in the sunset Forced into isolation by the coronavirus, Ann Abe-Deacon, Principal of Dance Vibez dance school in Sandown, has been dancing to keep in shape on a deserted Appley Beach in Ryde. Photographer Graham

Reading, who kept well away in line with official guidance, was nonetheless able to capture this beautiful image in the evening.

Credit grahamreading. com

27th March 2020

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19

Challenging experiences explored in Donna's art

Virtually@RYDE help for school students

Photo credit: Graham Reading Donna Jones spent over 30 years in her native Sheffield using creative arts to work with troubled teenagers and victims of sexual trafficking. Now living in Ryde she recently exhibited a selection of her art at Monkton Arts.

She said: “I want to use my own and others’ challenging life experiences in my work. I have worked with young people who have been abused physically, emotionally and sexually; drug users, sexually trafficked who

self-harm through cutting and burning; violent young men, and those with drug induced paranoia, schizophrenia and mental illness.

"I do not shy away from exploring these traumatic experiences in my paintings or my poetry. I want my work to challenge emotionally, and politically. I also want it to give the above legitimate voice outside of the sensationalist tabloid press and social media.”

Ryde School are now officially working across the school with their Virtually@RYDE programme. All pupils from Fiveways to the Sixth Form have a full programme of live and video virtual teaching as well as access to lunchtime clubs and activities.

There has already been a virtual electric guitar workout, pet club and beginners tango.

Earlier the Head Master give his first fully virtual assembly and the Deputy Head an assembly on the psychology of our current situation.

The school said all lessons seem to be going well with pupils linking in from home on laptops and other devices. A full day of lessons means, for example in the Senior School, a

pupil’s regular timetable in 50-minute virtual live lessons with a teacher either working alone at school or at home.

Boarders are being taught virtually at the boarding house and children of key workers are at school, being taught and fed as usual (social distancing rules in place).

Mark Waldron, Head Master said: “I am really proud of our resilient pupils and teachers and our IT and support staff who have made this so seamless."

A parent of a Year 7 and a Year 9 girl said: "Both girls said it’s been very smooth and surprisingly easy to work remotely.”

Upper Sixth student added: “Yes, working really well, have been in all my lessons."

Volunteer kayakers needed for Pier 2 Pier swim event

Ventnor Post Office closes Ventnor’s only Post Office has been closed due to the latest Government coronavirus measures. A statement issued on behalf of the owners of Seasons, the shop in which the Post Office is housed, said: “I am sorry but we have had no choice but to close Ventnor Post Office following the latest Post Office and Government Advice regarding the Coronavirus.

Seasons is classed as an non-essential shop so according to Government advice the shop has to close.

“Post Offices that are within food outlets are allowed to remain open but do check with the offices first to make sure they are also open before you make the journey. This is not a decision we have had any choice about and we know that this will be inconvenient for many of our lovely and loyal customers.”

The 2020 Pier 2 Pier Sea Swim Event on Saturday, August 1, is fully subscribed with 150 swimmers entered. But the IOW Marlins Masters swim Club need to ensure there are sufficient numbers of the first line of safety craft. These are the kayakers who keep the swimmers safe if they need assistance during the swim. They stay close by and can secure the swimmer and signal to the Lifeboats of the Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat and the Ryde Independent Inshore Lifeboat or one of the Shanklin Deep Sea Fishermen Craft.

Anyone who is a kayaker or canoeist who is available on the day can assist in making this commitment to contact Adrian.brown6@ talktalk.net with their details. Adrian is the contact for the Isle of Wight Kayak Club and, along with his members, has supported this event for many years.

The swimmers enter the sea alongside the Sandown Pier and then swim across the 1.8 miles of the Bay to finish at the Shanklin/ Sandown Rowing Club beach. While the

results are being processed the Rowing Club members supply everyone with a hot soup and roll.

The organisers this year are using a new timing and event management system and consequently the event ‘sold out’ within three weeks. Of the 150 entrants there will be 101 wearing costumes, 49 in wetsuits. There are 65 men and 85 ladies entered, with 112 entrants coming from the mainland to join 38 Island residents.

Support has been received from Godshill Model Village, Wight Crystal Water, Tesco Extra Ryde, and Wightlink Bob Cooper, Safety Officer, said: "It is unbelievable that the work and organisation the members of the ‘Marlins’ and the other organisations have managed this event for 68 years and should be rewarded with the largest entry that there has ever been. With the continued support from the Island's kayakers we can keep this at the top of this type of event, as well as keep the Isle of Wight on the wider sports spectrum."

20

Puzzles

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Crossword Across

Down

1. Charged with an offence (7) 5. Hoodwinked (5) 8. Oak nut (5) 9. Perplex (7) 10. Large House (7) 11. Duffer (5) 12. More profound (6) 14. Pact (6) 18. Unit of weight (5) 20. Lassos (7) 22. Diverge (anag) (7) 23. Proverb (5) 24. Asparagus shoot (5) 25. Toothed wheel (7)

1. Frightened (7) 2. Buffoon (5) 3. Break of day (7) 4. Protect (6) 5. Celtic priest (5) 6. Pepper (7) 7. Southern states of the USA (5) 13. Learned (7) 15. Dried seedless grape (7) 16. Cut apart (7) 17. Unpowered aircraft (6) 18. Young attendants (5) 19. Channel port (5) 21. Embarrass (5)

For the answers to the crossword, see page 2.

Sudoku

Wordsearch

27th March 2020

Chess puzzle

Spot the winning move? White to play - Mate in 5 moves. Puzzle kindly supplied by John Wrench. To join a club email: chessplay@mail.com. Last weeks solution: 1. Ng6+ hxg6, 2. Rh1+ Nh4, 3. Rxh4+ Qxh4, 4. Qxh4++

Find the following list of words relating to Shrek.

SHREK DONKEY PRINCESS FIONA LORD MONSIEUR HOOD GINGERBREAD

GEPPETTO PINOCCHIO CINDERELLA DRAGON PETER PAN PIED PIPER PUSS

For the answers to the Spot the Place a digit from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the digits from 1-9 only once.

Spot the differences

Difference see the Isle of Wight Observer website

Can you find all eight differences between the two pictures of the Medina Food Service annual exhibition?

27th March 2020

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SPIIOW chosen by Co-op as partner

The Isle of Wight’s Suicide Prevention and Intervention Organisation (SPIIOW) has announced a new community partner which is pledging to support the work it does on the Island. Colleagues at The Co-operative Food in Avenue Road, Sandown, voted for their 2020 charity partner to be SPIIOW. Sarah Adams, from SPIIWO, said: “Not only does it give our teams a massive boost, but we also know that it shows businesses and organisations across the Island are showing their support for us - and want to help people to open up and talk about suicide and how people are feeling, to reach out and get support and play their part on making the Island a suicide safer community.”

Tony Stokes, Store Manager at The Cooperative Food Sandown, said: “Our store is part the local co-operative, Southern Coop, which enables us to join together with a local cause each year which we support in a number of different ways - volunteering, fundraising and goods donations.

“Sadly too many of us are affected by suicide, including a number of our colleagues in store. Bringing mental health issues to

the attention of others could help with the prevention and intervention of suicide. We really hope it can only have a positive effect on the community as well as trying to dismiss the stigma that is attached to this illness.

This is something we all wanted to support.

“Keep your eyes peeled in store over the coming months as there will be fundraising activities and small change collection pots at our tills.”

If you think or believe that someone you know or have seen someone who is at risk from ending their life from suicide you can make contact with our front line team 24 hours a day in the following ways: SPI Crisis Number (Suicide Intervention Only) 07519 008406 anytime via text or call. This number is only to be used if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide.

There is also a live 24-hour web chat at www. spiiow.org Anyone interested in learning or joining the on-call from line team can contact SPIIOW at hello@spiiow.org

21

Nature Notes Green Woodpecker can eat 2,000 ants a day – then picks up the bill!

When glimpsed from afar the Green Woodpecker looks like something much more exotic, a parakeet perhaps.

More familiar is the actually smaller Great-Spotted one though our third native species, the famous LesserSpotted, is now quite rare. Still, close up you can’t mistake the Green item. It has paler underparts and a red cap, also a moustache (the male’s has a red centre).

They were only colonised here on the Island in 1910 so it is thought they don’t like crossing water. Often seen in gardens these days taking ants from the lawn, the Green Woodpecker can eat 2,000 of these a day, using a long sharp bill to open up their nests.

The northern slope of St Catherine’s Hill nature reserve has lately undergone some changes which benefit it in this respect. Trees infected with ash die-back have been removed and the area has been restored to open grassland.

In fact quite the most interesting thing about this bird is its long tongue. At four inches it has to wind up behind its skull,

over its eyes and into its right nostril just to fit into its head.

Its most distinctive sound is its call, which sounds like laughter so country people once called it a ‘yaffle’. It also climbs trees looking for wood-boring insects but it doesn’t often drum against them like other woodpeckers do.

No doubt because of its striking appearance and breezy chortle, it figures strongly in folklore. Often associated with water, especially rain, it is also known as the Rainpie, Rain-fowl or Weather-Cock.

‘To this day the country people do divine of stone by their cry,’ wrote the celebrated 17th century diarist and antiquary John Aubrey, who was also a student of natural history.

You are more likely to see them here in the south than in the north and west, and not at all in Ireland. They are quite long-lived,15 years has been recorded, and they form long attachments, a pair staying fairly close even outside the breeding season.

Latest sports news P. 24

22

Letters

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Holmesy!

by David Holmes

one man against the world david@iwobserver.co.uk

Let us pray this isn't a hopeless cause...

27th March 2020

Island Soapbox

Send your letters into us newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or post them to us IW Observer, Suite 6, 17 St.Thomas Square, Newport, IW, PO30 1SL Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in these letters are not those held by the IW Observer or its staff.

They belong to the author and the author alone - Letters must be no longer than 250 words please.

Do the maths Dear Editor, Jeremy Hunt, ex Conservative Minister for Health and Social Care, last week raised concerns that if five per cent of the population became infected by COVID-19, and then five per cent of these patients required Intensive Care, our NHS could simply not cope.

If five per cent of our 140,000 Island population becomes infected, then that is 7000 patients If five per cent of these infected patients required critical care, then that’s 350 Islanders.

How many Intensive Care beds does St

Mary’s have? I believe it is in the region of half a dozen. Add to this recovering COVID-19 patients take between two to three weeks on ventilators with specially trained nursing staff to oversee their care, and the picture is very clear.

The Island is uniquely placed to engage in social distancing, with the opportunity to self isolate itself ahead of a National ban on all but essential travel. But this takes the kind of vision and moral Leadership which puts peoples lives ahead of commerce interests.

Hans Bromwich, Cowes

Brilliant front page Dear Editor, brilliant front page photograph in last weeks IW Observer of Dave Stewart, Leader of the IW Council, trying to look dynamic.

I am expecting my box of Milk Tray to be arriving this evening.

Alice Baker, Newport

Please help at this hard time

Someone pinch me, this can’t be real can it? I guess a majority of us stopped believing God is responsible for everything, so now when anything bad happens, it has to be man’s fault, with Mother Nature playing her part too.

Islanders were divided on the issue of lockdown; now Boris has acted decisively, to save the lives of those we love, and we’re all grounded. I’ve found Boris’s briefings reassuring, and we’re all impressed with Rishi Sunak, aren’t we? He’ll be the next Prime Minister, assuming he’s mad enough to ever want the job.

Less impressive are the number of people who persist in clearing our supermarket shelves. We’ve bought a billion pounds worth of excess food, it’s all in our homes, and sooner or later, everyone will have more of everything than they could possibly use this side of Christmas.

Two of my sons work in London, and shopping after work is their only choice.

Last week, they found it impossible to feed themselves.

It’s incredible, we have an abundance of everything, but still the public act like a plague of locusts.

Images of people fighting in the aisles are upsetting, so I prefer to think of our local heroes, those helping the less fortunate, picking up a few bits for their family and neighbours.

The Island has many such stars, and they include Freshwater Bay’s own Mark Orchard, whose family business has served the island since Victorian times - Alfred, Lord Tennyson was a customer. Orchard Brothers are a beacon in all the madness, they’re quietly looking after their customers without fuss. It’s a very long day working in a corner shop, but Mark Orchard personally delivers orders to his regulars, and in the case of one disabled lady, even puts it away in her fridge

and cupboards.

Because he’s so busy and also deals with the store’s paperwork, he’s recruited a few volunteers to help out. Mark is an example to us all, Bay residents should nominate him for an MBE for his outstanding public service.

In normal times, most of us love to criticise; when it comes to the Council, we focus on their crackpot priorities, the potholes, restricted refuse services and savage cuts to loo and library opening hours. The sums of money we pay them each month seem astronomic and make us grumpy, but it really isn’t their fault. Central Government realised long ago that if it cut their grant, the Council not Westminster would get the blame. Unfortunately for the Council, most of us do fall for this year after year. We believe those new (larger) tax bills falling through our letterboxes are the council’s fault, not Westminster’s.

In recent weeks, the demands on our council’s staff have been exceptional, so I want to thank them too.

Quite rightly nurses, doctors, paramedics and care assistants are the people that pop into our minds for praise at a time like this. But police officers, council staff and teachers deserve our thanks too. I’d also like to thank pharmacists and GP receptionists, and yes, funeral directors and their customer facing staff - all of whom are in the frontline. Their own personal health risk is considerable, and in some cases, there just isn’t enough PPE to protect them from the people they serve who won’t even know they’re infected.

When it comes to God, I’m a doubtful agnostic, but that won’t stop me praying to St Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes that Boris and his advisors’ draconian distancing plan works.

‘In recent weeks, the demands on our Council’s staff have been exceptional, so I want to thank them too’

Dear Editor, there has not been a time in history when we have been threatened by a pandemic virus in the way that COVID-19 threatens our nation today.

The prosperity of our health service is dependent on the accuracy of data, the data can only be provided by us, the citizens. To that note, jointly with our sponsors we have worked tirelessly to create a data capture tool that allows us all to propagate the information required for our NHS and emergency workers allowing them to closely and accurately forecast the upcoming need.

I ask you with a heavy heart to please help at this hard time, two minutes of time will allow our hospitals to understand how this pandemic is driving forward. This site will also help you, the citizens of our great nation, understand how both the area you live and the areas that your family and loved ones reside are affected by this pandemic.

Brass-necked Boris

Dear Editor, Please forgive me, but Boris Johnson has a brass neck standing at a lectern saying,

No personal individual data will be collected and the form is in complete anonymity.

This service is given free of charge and no company or organisation will profit from you taking the time to complete this form www. supportyournhs.org Please use the powers of the internet and social media to ensure that the link to this page www.supportyournhs.org is distributed to everyone within your reach. We can all help our hospitals, health workers and government by sharing this small amount of data. Within this site you will be able to see the growth of the areas of people self isolating. This site is totally free, Open and transparent to everyone, Globally! Let's put the UK at the front, not behind! Please only complete one form per person within a household.

Mark Gibbs and Barrie Wade, 2020 Chairs of Code for Ethics UK

‘PROTECT OUR NHS” Henry Fenchurch

Keep the cheery whistle Dear Editor, one of the charms of the Isle of Wight is to hear the cheery whistle of the Islandline train from a distance as it passes through the beauty of the Island's countryside.

I heard it clearly a mile away recently from Culver Down and regularly hear it from the Roman Villa. I, and several friends, will be sad if we should lose this iconic sound which helps give our Island so much of its character. Does anyone know if the whistle which has given such good and, I presume, safe and effective service over the decades will be similar on the new refurbished 1970/80s trains, which I believe served with whistles until the trains' withdrawal in 2017? Or will it be replaced with a less pleasant two-tone horn as now used in the capital city presumably because of

it being more noisy there - but which I feel may not be necessary in our rural and coastal location and may cause daily annoyance to people living near the line? The wonderful job which has been done to retain the line's character and preserve its heritage, at Brading Station for example, with its museum, cafe and signal box, plus the careful painting of the metalwork at all the stations, as well as planting by Green Town volunteers will be, to some extent, negated.

If the whistle has been deemed good for service and safety here and on the mainland for generations since 1938 I hope it will continue with us and, like our church and convent bells, remain part of the soundcharacter of our lovely Island.

Paul F Scott

Send your letters in to us at newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk

27th March 2020

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24

Sport

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Driving Society splashing through Shanklin waves The Isle of Wight branch of the British Driving Society, a national organisation, arranged a beach carriage drive, starting at Cliff Farm in Shanklin. The drive then took the six participants through Shanklin town centre and made its way down to the beach near Shanklin Chine. They then had plenty

of fun and enjoyment cantering and trotting through the waves. The Isle of Wight branch, British Driving Society, runs a number of events, drives, and social evenings throughout the year.

Photos by Keith Pollard

27th March 2020

27th March 2020

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25

Chris, James and Alan make it a family affair

Pictured from (l to r) back row (Con A):Â M. Cheverton, D. Ilgunas, K. Wheeler, M. Goodwin. Front row: (WC Con): G. Kite, J. Brett, R. Green, B. Woodford, R. Ebbs.

Cowes & District Snooker League finals bring season to an exciting conclusion The fifth round of the IOW Motor Cycle Club's 2020 Winter Series Trials Championship, for the Jeffries Cup, took place at Shorwell Chalk Pit, with eight flowing sections set out by brothers Steve Chase and Phil Chase, with the help of Stuart Gummer.

The ground was surprisingly dry and grippy which was a pleasant surprise for the 27 riders that completed the trial, and the Island's 2019 ACU Expert British Trials Champion Chris Stay was out riding in the Elite class.

Chris made extremely light work of the sections, dropping just one mark throughout the whole trial and it's easy to see why the younger riders look up to him so much. Chris' older brother James, a superb rider himself, made a return to the series having missed the previous round, and with bike issues seemingly now a thing of the past, finished front of the pack on the A route in the Expert class, on 28.

Jack Ayres was seven marks behind in second place on 35. Jack put in a good performance, despite a nasty looking over the bars crash on section seven. Tom Richards continues to impress on board his Beta machine, finishing third on 45.

Chris’ and James' dad, Alan, stayed on top again, winning the Intermediate class with a fantastic ride, dropping just four marks on the B route, some 21 clear of second place Sonny Gaskin, who had an excellent ride.

Scout Gregory finished in third place on 41.

Just two riders competed in the O/50 class on the B route, Simon Newnham and Simon Watmough. Newnham put in an impressive performance on his GasGas to finish in first place on just 15, 20 clear of Simon Watmough on 35 in second place.

There was a good battle in the Clubman class, with four riders taking on a 50/50 split

of both B and C route sections. Geoff Taylor made the least dabs out of all four, steering his Montesa to victory for a total of 29. John Coombes was not far behind in second place on 36, with Colin Brodie in third on 40.

In the Novice class, following the C route, Brian Brockwell was the clear winner, losing only 14 marks. Course setter Steve Chase finished in second place on 34, ahead of S. Parfitt on 92.

Three T/Shock class riders took on the C route. Nick Symes made light work of the trial on his trusty Honda TLR machine, losing just four marks to finish first. Jason Elford finished second on 32, and Calvin Wright third on 44. Tristan Osborne was the solo rider in the Ad/Beg class riding the D route.

He cleaned four of the sections four times losing only eight marks all trial.

In the Sportsman class, on the D route, Mike Taylor managed to go clean for the entire trial, not making one single dab, an impressive feat and one that is rarely achieved. Gary Jones is still getting used to his shiny new Honda, and finished second on 22.

Two riders competed in the Youth/Expert class which follows the B route. Dan Locke continues to impress, taking the win and losing just 15 marks in the process, ahead of Alfie Haydon on 28.

Alfie Gaskin was the lone Youth/Inter rider, taking on a 50/50 split of both B and C route sections. Alfie had some excellent rides, particularly on section four where he lost only one mark. Alfie finished the trial on a total of 63.

Freddie Death was the only rider in the Yth/ Beg class; his first outing on his new TRS 125cc machine. He looked more confident throughout the afternoon as his score of 32 reflected.

West Cowes Conservative Club overcame East Cowes Conservative 'A' 7-1 in the Heineken Cowes & District Snooker League Team Knockout Cup. The final matches were played from scratch, with Ben Woodford recording the highest score of the evening, winning 74-45 against Dave Ilgunas.

Captain Mark Stephens and his East Cowes Liberal 'A' team are League Champions. Mark Burrows was their star player of the year, recording a 12-4 win to loss ratio. Ian Shaw and Dave Street also had fantastic seasons, as well as the team's overall success week in week out in Pairs helped them claim their title.

The Handicap Singles Final was won by Daniel Cox, after coming from one behind to beat his father, Dave Cox in the Final 2-1, both players ending their successful seasons on a high.

The Captains Cup Final was narrowly won

by Paul Cates (Lib C), 2-1 against Rich Green (WC Con). Rich pulled back seven snookers and potted the remaining colours to win the first frame. Paul potted some excellent long shots to claim the second and it went down the pink in the third frame before Paul sunk a gift of a pink over the middle bag.

Clive Smith (Con C) won Most Consistent

Player with 14 wins to 5 loses. In current second place is Mark Burrows (Lib A) with 12 wins and four losses.

Currently third is Martin Cheverton (Con A) with 12-5. Dean Avey (Con C) shares the same win to loss ratio, with a lesser points difference. Other players with good stats are Paul Cates (Lib C), 12-6, James Brett (WC Con) 11-6, and Alan Lee (Con B) 11-7. Special mention to newcomer Clive Elliott who lost his first 12 matches only to go and win four from his last six.

Current highest break is being held by Richard Green (WC Con) with two 61 breaks recorded. Most Improved nominees were Martin Cheverton (Con A), Alan Lee (Con B), David Street (Lib A) and Paul Cates (Lib C), and the Captains decided Martin Cheverton was most improved player this season.

In the Over 50s Graeme Ould will play Bob Kennovin, while the Under 30s is Ben Woodford against Josh Jones and Billiards will see Laurie Boarer take on Rich Green.

The Pairs will involve the in-form Cox Duo against Con C's Laurie Boarer and Clive Smith while the penultimate Scratch Singles sees Dave Cox play James Brett. The cancelled games will hopefully be scheduled for September.

Butt and Arnold win Cowes GC trophies

Cowes Golf Club recently held their West Cowes Timber Trophy and Ward Trophy competitions.

Jonathan Butt (left) was the winner of the West Cowes Timber Trophy with a net 66, while Pete Arnold (right) won the Ward Cup, with 68, taking first place on count-back from runner-up Paul Young (centre).

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Richard Weaver and co-driver James Pink

Richard has sights firmly set on more top results after lay-off Like many of the country’s motoring enthusiasts, Island rally driver Richard Weaver was looking forward to competing in the Sandown Speed event along Sandown Esplanade this weekend.

Alas, it was not to be, so we caught up with Richard to find out how he got into rallying, and his hopes for the future, once restrictions are lifted.

Car rallying has been in the family as long as he can remember. His father, Terry Weaver rallied with his own team, mainly as navigator, from the mid-1950s until 1982 when he retired from the sport.

Richard recalls: “Some of my earliest memories are of watching rallying with dad and his driver Mike Davidson. I would be taken to rallies on the mainland and also the Island Stages. Dad organised the Island Stages for many years and just being around the sport and the fever that went with the events, hooked me.”

These early influences dominated Richard’s formative years and he passed his driving test days after turning 17. He joined the Isle of Wight Car Club and immediately began auto-testing with the club, driving time-

trials in car parks around cones. These events proved to be a real test of skill and are very popular some 23 years later, with Richard winning the last event at BAE Systems earlier this month.

He said: “I began auto-testing in a Ford Fiesta that my gran gave me after her sight failed her. This was my first road car and naturally, I modified the suspension, exhaust and wheels!”

Further education called and with a move to the West Country, a sabbatical of five years ensued, before a return to the Island and motorsport. He continued: “I got into track-days with a local group of guys and we went to circuits all over the country. We were also back into auto-testing with the club and some of the guys were starting to branch out into other forms of motorsport. For me it had to be rallying. There is nothing that comes close to excitement for me.”

Having built a Ford Escort Mk1, Richard first took to the rally stages in 2008, which by his own admission was a bit later than was probably desirable. However, as the machinery improved, so the results followed: “We started competing in the UK and quickly

progressed to Belgian rallies too. The first really decent results took a while to come as we developed the car.”

Top 10 results at Goodwood paved the way for class wins and an impressive fifth overall at Monteberg 2016 in Belgium. He reckoned: “The result at Monteberg was shock for me; we were the first non-Belgian team and it came out of nowhere. It gave me the confidence and self-belief that I could handle rallying at the sharp end.”

More results followed and finally, after a switch of car to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo that Richard now uses, an overall win at Goodwood in 2019 rewarded 11 years of progression through the sport. “When I began rallying, I never believed I would win an event outright to be honest. Just getting anywhere near the top 10 seemed an unobtainable dream. Now though, I feel we can fight for the win at many of the events we attend and I am really enjoying the sport right now.”

An enforced lay-off seems inevitable for the next few months, with events in April and May already cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added: “We were looking at the

Sandown Speed Trials to really kick start our season and I am devastated for the organisers that the event had to be postponed. But it will run, have no doubt.”

Plans for 2020 may have been curtailed, but with a new sponsor, The Old Village Inn, Bembridge, Richard hopes to get out towards the end of the year and certainly the 2021 season is a target for some more top results.

Richard’s Ford Escort Mk1

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‘I had to make myself believe’ Continued from back page Looking back on the informative days, Adam said: “In my early stages, going through the Hampshire RFU levels, I refereed a few games on the Island, but was never allowed to referee the Isle of Wight, because I was, and still am a registered member. I did games involving Sandown and Shanklin and Ventnor, and even Ryde before their unfortunate disbanding. It was always good to get over here to referee.

“It has taken me seven years to get to where I am, which is quite a rapid rise - one of the quickest. I owe a lot to the support Hampshire Rugby Union Referees’ Society gave me, to make me realise I could go higher. When you reach a certain level the RFU start taking an interest, so I owe a massive amount to them for pulling me up the ladder as well. There are 13 levels of refereeing, 13 being ungraded, and No1 being the Premiership. Once you get to level five, you become an RFU group referee. The RFU have five tiers, with the top two being the Championship and then the Premiership.”

He continued: “I am hugely

competitive and always have been, and I managed to channel it into myself to compete at the next level. While spending 18 months at level two there were times when I thought I may not be good enough, because I was surrounded by such other brilliant referees, right at the top of their game. So I had to make myself believe I could get to their level.”

Adam now not only referees’ Premiership matches, but is also a touch judge, and officiates in the Championship. He said: “That all helps because if one day I become a World Rugby Referee, I will be expected to have a broad level of skills. Basically I have managed to get into this elite group of the 12 best Rugby referees in the country, but the real challenge begins now to climb even higher through the ranks.

“I love what I do and want to be out there enjoying it, so this enforced break has not been nice. But I know it is affecting other people far worse than me, so I cannot complain. I hope I have at least another 10 years refereeing, and then eventually move onto another role within the RFU.”

Adam Leal with fellow referee Ian Tempest

Round the Island Race postponed to September

Happy crew on the EMCY boat Due to the current situation surrounding coronavirus and Government guidelines on social distancing, the Island Sailing Club have rescheduled this year’s Round the Island Race to September 26.

Dave Atkinson, Race Director, said: “This has not been an easy decision for us to make. Valid arguments have been made for the Race to go ahead on May 30 with some modifications, such as cancelling shoreside

Sunrise start last year activities and asking those over 70, or otherwise at risk, not to take part.

“However, this would still have meant encouraging people to travel to the south coast, to mix with family and friends in small groups and to pass through possibly busy marinas, not to mention asking our team of nearly 200 volunteers to gather together on Committee Boats and at the Club for a long day. Our conclusion is that it would not be

responsible to do this when we all need to be playing our part in complying with the Government’s clear guidelines.

“We will shortly be issuing a revised Notice of Race incorporating the various date and timing changes, but in all other respects we expect to run the Race exactly as planned. Our online entry system remains open as usual, and while none of us quite knows what the next few months have in store, we do hope

that you will still be excited by the prospect of an early autumn Round the Island Race and taking part in what is sure to be a rather unique occasion.

“In the meantime, everyone at the Island Sailing Club sends you and your loved ones our very best wishes in these difficult circumstances and we look forward to seeing you on the start line on 26 September.”

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This week’s highlights...

By Peter White

Motorsport Richard sets sights on top results

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Equestrian

Splashing through the waves 28

Ref Adam’s amazing 13 steps from Appley beach to Premiership Rugby Adam back on Appley beach where it all began

Twickenham

Little more than seven years ago Adam Leal stood in to referee in a Beach tournament Rugby game on Appley Beach in Ryde, something he had never done before. Now Adam has joined a extremely elite group by becoming one of the top 12 Rugby Union referees in this country.

It has been an astronomical rise to prominence in those seven years for Adam, who is still only 31, but has already officiated at such iconic venues as Twickenham and Welford Road – the home of Leicester Tigers – as sell as taking charge of an Under-20 Six Nations match between Wales and France.

The current suspension of all Rugby games due to the coronavirus outbreak has enabled Adam to spend some time back on the Island with his family. In this exclusive interview he explained how he has come so far in such a short time in Rugby, where players rarely, if ever, argue with referees, or dispute their decisions.

Adam went to Ryde High School, and played Rugby from the age of 13 to 23, but suffered a number of injuries, including one to his shoulder while playing for Isle of Wight RFC. That was when he switched from gum shield to whistle. He said: “My first game was in the Isle of Wight Beach Rugby tournament.

I wasn’t even a qualified ref then; I just did it because the other ref didn’t turn up, but I really enjoyed it. That was when I decided to become a fully qualified referee, so Appley Beach was a blessing in disguise.”

Since then he has spiralled up the 13 steps of the Rugby refereeing ladder to Premiership level one, meaning he takes charge of the very best teams in the country - the Rugby equivalent of Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Adam said:“The first game I refereed after reaching the top level was Worcester against Saracens, which was a fantastic occasion.

I had all my family there to watch, and

fortunately it all went well for me.

“I took some advice from some of the more experienced referees beforehand. I was told just to take a deep breath, and take everything in before the game began. It was sound advice. We referees consider ourselves a team; the 13th team, as there are 12 teams in the Premiership.”

Adam has refereed four Premiership games to date, combining that with duties as a Premiership referees’ assistant, and a referee in level two, the Championship. He was lined up for another two Premiership games before the shutdown.

As for discipline on the pitch, he said: “One of the core values of Rugby is respect. I will always talk to the players in a calm and polite manner, and I expect to be spoken to in the same way. As you see these guys week in, week out, you build a relationship with them which makes being out on the pitch a lot easier.”

As for Rugby venues, he said: “There are some grounds that create an amazing atmosphere. But my favourite so far has been Welford Road, Leicester. I was there a few weeks ago, it’s a very ‘old school’ ground with about 18,000 passionate fans packed inside. It is a special feeling when you are out there.

“I refereed at Twickenham for the County Championship final which was an unbelievable honour, and I was also a touch judge for the Army v Navy game in front of 84,000, which was an amazing experience and I am looking forward to my next exposure there. I was selected for the Under-20 Six Nations game between Wales and France this year at Colwyn Bay. It was an important appointment for me because that is the next step on the way to becoming a World Rugby referee, as those games are appointed by World Rugby. Whether I can make that step remains to be seen.” Continued on page 27

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Keep the Isle of Wight Safe Everyone must stay at home. Only leave your home for essentials like food and medication – do this as infrequently as possible.

Only travel if you are going to the shop, to deliver food and medication to a vulnerable person, or to work if you are a key worker and cannot work from home.

Do not visit or socialise with anyone outside of your household.

Do not have visitors. Do not meet up with people outside of your home. Stay in touch by telephone or online only.

Exercise outside once a day is allowed — walk, run, cycle — ALONE or with members of your household.

Know the symptoms and protect your family: •

If you or anyone in your household has a high temperature or a new and continuous cough — even if it’s mild — DO NOT go to your GP, hospital or pharmacy.

• Go to NHS.UK to check your symptoms and follow the specialist medical advice.

• Only call NHS 111 if you can’t get online or your symptoms worsen.

• Everyone in your household must stay at home.

• Aim to keep two metres (three steps) away from them whenever possible for 14 days (two weeks).

• Use separate facilities in your home as much as possible.

Sleep alone and use a separate bathroom, if available.

• Do not share cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with them.

Find out how to isolate your household on the NHS website: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Extremely vulnerable people to be ‘shielded’ from Coronavirus Last week the government issued guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable.

Who is the guidance for?

This guidance is for all adults and children who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (Covid-19) because of an underlying health condition, wherever they live or usually spend their time. This could be: • in their own home; • in a care home; • at school; • in a special school.

Families, supporters and carers also need to do more to help people most likely to get very poorly from coronavirus. They should read the full guidance for more information.

What do we mean by extremely vulnerable?

People falling into this extremely vulnerable group and most likely to get very poorly from coronavirus are those who: • have had transplants – like kidney or liver transplants; • are having treatments for some cancers; • have long-term lung disease; • were born with conditions that make the body, blood and cells work differently – which might mean you are more likely to get infections; • are taking drugs that reduce the body’s responses for fighting infections; • are pregnant with significant heart disease.

The NHS has directly contacted people with these conditions to provide further advice. It may take a few days for the letters to get to people. If you think you fall into one of these categories and you haven’t had a letter by Sunday 29 March 2020, call your GP or hospital doctor for advice.

What is shielding?

Shielding is a measure to protect people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and are most likely to get very poorly from Covid-19. They need to be minimising all interaction between themselves and others.

This means that those who are extremely vulnerable should not leave their homes, and within their homes should minimise all non-essential contact with other

members of their household. This advice will be in place for at least 12 weeks from the day you receive your letter.

Dos and Don’ts 1. Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of Covid-19. These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.

2. Do not leave your house for 12 weeks.

3. Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.

4. Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact.

5. People who deliver things to you must not come into your home and you must not leave your home to meet them.

6. You should arrange for other people to bring you the things you need, like food, and leave them outside your door. If that is not possible, go to https://www.gov.uk/ coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable to ask for help or call 0800 028 8327.

7. You can ask friends or family to get your medication for you. If they cannot do this, you can contact your pharmacy and ask them to deliver it. If that is not possible, go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirusextremely-vulnerable to ask for help or call 0800 028 8327.

8. Keep in touch with others using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.

9. Continue participating in your normal activities remotely from your home.

10. Do use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.

Make sure you look after your wellbeing while you are at home for 12 weeks.

• Spend time doing indoor things you enjoy.

• Look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website • Try to eat healthy meals and drink enough water.

• Think about opening your windows to let in fresh air.

• Go outside into the garden, or get some sunlight.

Grant support for charities working at the forefront of the coronavirus crisis The Isle of Wight Council and the funding body WightAID have joined forces to ensure frontline charities to the coronavirus response receive the support they so desperately need.

For the next few months, WightAID will focus its grant giving to those in the most critical need.

This includes — but is no way limited to — the Isle of Wight Foodbank as well as homelessness, mental health and bereavement charities working on the Island.

Geoff Underwood, WightAID chairman and High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, said: “As we enter a period of considerable difficulty, it is even more important than ever for us to stay together and support those most in need.

“Hopefully, this pandemic will reduce to manageable levels within a few months, but we have a fight on our hands.

“Now more than ever, we need the people of the Isle of Wight to dig deep and support those less well off. Even though times will be difficult, now is

the time for everyone to do their bit.”

Businesses, both large and small, are being asked to show their resolve and put something towards their community via WightAID. Every penny that you give will go straight to those charities and organisations — not individuals — working with the most needy in the community.

“With your help, we can weather this situation together. It’s a daunting time, and cash will be in short supply, but please do something — no matter how small,” said Mr Underwood.

Councillor Dave Stewart added: “The council is delighted to be working alongside WightAID in delivering crucial support to charities working at the forefront of the Covid-19 crisis.

“While recognising the enormous strain being placed on our business community at this time, I would implore you to give what you can to this important appeal.”

People can support WightAID here: www.wightaid.org

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Message from the leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Dave Stewart With the pace of the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis many things are a priority — but one area which will become an increasing priority as time goes on is our mental health and wellbeing.

I am very aware the whole experience of Covid-19 is causing stress and anxiety across our community. Like coronavirus itself, it is an unseen problem that is growing with the virus and we need to tackle it now.

So, I am asking all residents to be aware of this social anxiety and to do what you can to help alleviate the pressure. Now I am not an expert, but I recognise what can help and this includes: • ‘Fone a friend’ and share their concerns — a problem shared is a problem halved.

• Be a good listener — some people just need to offload their concerns without needing solutions.

• Don’t judge others — there are times when we may all be there so be supportive.

• Think positive — we will get through to better times and we can all then celebrate that achievement.

‘The NHS is here for you, but we need all of you to help us’ Maggie Oldham, chief executive of Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, staff and the wider community is our top priority. The NHS is here for you, but we need all of you to help us.

“Everyone should follow the national guidance on social distancing and selfisolation and stay at home wherever possible, to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This will help to protect the most vulnerable people in our community and ensure that the NHS can cope with what is coming.

“This is a worrying time for all of us. But by working together and

treating one another with compassion and respect, we can rise to meet the challenges ahead of us.”